Volume 16
September 2017 Edition
Robotics Revolution : Uncovering the Real Value of Security Robots
By Steve Reinharz , Founder and CEO , Robotic Assistance Devices , LLC .
Steve Reinharz , President and Founder , RAD
Robots have been in the spotlight lately , as tycoons like Elon Musk discuss the perils of automation and artificial intelligence ( AI ), and roving robots meet their watery demise .
These recent events have unmasked a particularly interesting topic : The value of robots in the broader sense , especially as a security tool .
The emergence of robotics , automation and AI is not new , but the ongoing discussion about how best to use these continues to fuel critics and supporters alike .
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport announced in early July that it is piloting a program that utilizes robots at the busy transportation hub to provide tips for getting through security faster ; such as telling passengers to remove their scarves , jackets and belts before going through the screening process .
Other robots being used in airports perform tasks such as providing passengers with directions to gates , escorting passengers to their destination or cleaning the floors .
( A robot named Tracey greeted passengers at the Seattle- Tacoma International Airport this week , providing tips to get them smoothly through security checkpoints . The humansized robot carries a large sign and can speak up to six languages . ( July 14 ) Courtesy of The Associated Press and YouTube )
Rise of The Robots PricewaterhouseCoopers recently released a study that reported that the majority of consumers are willing to receive healthcare from advanced technologies , such as AI and robotics , that can answer health questions , perform tests , make a diagnosis and recommend treatment .
Even BP is getting in on the action by piloting a 48